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Building Up One Another
The body of Christ can’t be all that it should be unless we mature in our interpersonal relationships as the Bible commands. Building Up One Another has been helping believers do just that since 1976, when Gene Getz first published what has since become a best-selling classic. This book, the cornerstone of the well-known “One Another Series,” has now been thoroughly updated and rewritten, drawing upon Dr. Getz’s church planting and “building up” experience. It also includes a personal and group study.
Explore with Dr. Getz twelve significant “one another” commands of the New Testament, and follow the practical steps for developing them in your own life and in the life of your church. It’s a long-term building process, but one that pleases God and reaps rewards not just in this lifetime but in the next.
Explore with Dr. Getz twelve significant “one another” commands of the New Testament, and follow the practical steps for developing them in your own life and in the life of your church. It’s a long-term building process, but one that pleases God and reaps rewards not just in this lifetime but in the next.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1976
About the author
Gene A. Getz
149 books27 followersGene A. Getz, (B.A., Rocky Mountain College; M.A., Wheaton College; Ph.D., New York University), a host and teacher of Renewal Radio, served as a professor at Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has authored more than 60 books, including The Measure of a Healthy Church, Elders and Leaders, and the Men of Character series. He has been a church planting pastor in the Dallas metroplex since 1972 and now serves as President of the Center for Church Renewal and Pastor Emeritus of Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 17, 2026
Truly an eye-opening, emotional, convicting, encouraging, and inspiring read to take on the daily pursuit of building up one another in the body of Christ—in the home, church, and community
Doing what we’re called to be, truly loving as in God’s nature of love. We weren’t made to live this life alone!
Some (too many lol) life-changing parts of the book I loved:
- Ephesians 4:16 “each part does its own work” Gods plan is that “the whole body” is to be “joined and held together by every supporting ligament”
- “Acts of sinful nature” conflicts with “the fruit of the Spirit” in how we treat one another (Galatians 5:17)
- We are to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
- FRUIT OF THR SPIRIT LEADS TO ONE-MINDEDNESS AND UNITY
- Unity defeats Satan
- To focus on our “gifts” is to focus on ourselves. To focus on maturity and building up the body of Christ is to focus on God and others
- Church is a “repairing organism”—to bring emotional and spiritual healing to people who have grown up in unhealthy families
- A two-way street… strong mature families create strong mature churches leading to more strong mature families
- We should actually wash one another’s feet ;)
- “The greatest among you, will be your servant”
- Don't misunderstand! The Bible doesn't teach that we should not have our own interests. That would be impossible. The very nature of life—rearing a family, making a living, competing in the work-place, and taking time for ourselves-demands that we look after our own interests. However, the Bible does teach that we should "look not only" to our "own interests, but also to the interests of others." It teaches us that we should "consider others better than our-selves." We should not be motivated by self-centered motives and pride ("vain conceit"). Our goal should be to honor Jesus Christ first, others second, and ourselves third. If we do, we will be honored in due time. As Jesus said, we cannot lose our lives without finding them again (Matt. 10:39).
- A couple stayed for a Sunday sermon and post-sermon fellowship. It wasn’t the sermon message that God used to bring them to faith but rather seeing in fellowship how the body of Christ functioned in love and unity
- A true understanding of God’s grace and the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ leads to holiness—not worldliness… once we understand God’s saving grace and when we truly appreciate what we have in Christ, how can we do less than respond to His love by offering our bodies back to Him as living sacrifices?
- “In my hands no price I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling”
- Jesus tells us to come to Him and receive Him and He will clean up our act
- We are not to judge each other in areas that are not specified by God as sin
- Following scriptural precepts and principles will allow for OPERATION OUT OF THE HEART RATHER THAN THE HEAD
- DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU “feel” like changing or doing something about your sin. If you do, the feeling may never come. CHRISTIAN LOVE ACTS ON WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
- There is no greater sign of love than to be willing to risk rejection and broken relationships with others, to confront sin
- If admonishment is done with the right spirit, motive, and done with an appropriate method, the person who is not living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ usually senses the risk you’re taking… maybe not in the moment, but some day they’ll thank you for your love
- But frequently, we never get beyond the surface or take the time to hear a response following “how are you?”
- If you loved Him more, you would serve Him better… If we loved one another more, we would serve one another better!!
- A relationship with Christ is vertical and horizontal, becoming members of Christ’s body
- “For the LAW of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from LAW of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 ESV
- What the Bible is teaching is that we are free from the power of sin, not free from sin. We don’t have to serve sin and the old nature. The prison door is open. All we have to do is walk out into a new world.
- A door of freedom in Christ that no one can shut (Rev 3:8)… Freedom in Christ is activated by obedience… it is the truth applied that really sets me free
- An aircraft crew could sit at the end of the runway all day, long, knowing that the plane is free to take off. They may have received clearance from the tower again and again. They also know that the power is available. But the plane will never get off the ground unless the jet engines are activated. The plane must be in a moving position.
- We are free to become all that God created us to become… we truly lose our lives to find them again
- With gentleness and humility and meekness… realizing we were once and similar situations
- Restoration should be done cautiously, and with more than one person, to prevent falling into the same sin
- Living together day after day, week after week, year after year… we are seen at our best and at our worst
- “Bearing with one another” = “a forgiving spirit”
- How ungrateful for a Christian to hold a grudge against a fellow believer when Christ has canceled our own debt of sin
- “MAKE EVERY EFFORT to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:2-3
- Patience, forbearance, and forgiveness are not automatic actions that follow conversion to Christ. They are deliberate acts of the will
- As parents, we must be very careful not to expect too much from small children, as this will frustrate them and create anger… such as being measured by standards that parents do not practice themselves… will lead to anger, bitterness, discouragement… children learn best by seeing principles practiced by their parents
- When each of us loves the other as Christ has loved us, the problem will inevitably be resolved
- We live in a materialistic culture—and it has infected Christians
- We cannot love like Christ without being servants, and we cannot be servants without being submissive
- A lack of oneness cannot be hidden!
- To develop the mind of Christ, we must be willing to lose our lives in order to find them again
- We can trust God not only for emotions but also for our thoughts… asking Him to renew our minds
- Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The forgiveness of Jesus not only takes away our sins, it makes them as if they had never been
- “… out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21
Doing what we’re called to be, truly loving as in God’s nature of love. We weren’t made to live this life alone!
Some (too many lol) life-changing parts of the book I loved:
- Ephesians 4:16 “each part does its own work” Gods plan is that “the whole body” is to be “joined and held together by every supporting ligament”
- “Acts of sinful nature” conflicts with “the fruit of the Spirit” in how we treat one another (Galatians 5:17)
- We are to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
- FRUIT OF THR SPIRIT LEADS TO ONE-MINDEDNESS AND UNITY
- Unity defeats Satan
- To focus on our “gifts” is to focus on ourselves. To focus on maturity and building up the body of Christ is to focus on God and others
- Church is a “repairing organism”—to bring emotional and spiritual healing to people who have grown up in unhealthy families
- A two-way street… strong mature families create strong mature churches leading to more strong mature families
- We should actually wash one another’s feet ;)
- “The greatest among you, will be your servant”
- Don't misunderstand! The Bible doesn't teach that we should not have our own interests. That would be impossible. The very nature of life—rearing a family, making a living, competing in the work-place, and taking time for ourselves-demands that we look after our own interests. However, the Bible does teach that we should "look not only" to our "own interests, but also to the interests of others." It teaches us that we should "consider others better than our-selves." We should not be motivated by self-centered motives and pride ("vain conceit"). Our goal should be to honor Jesus Christ first, others second, and ourselves third. If we do, we will be honored in due time. As Jesus said, we cannot lose our lives without finding them again (Matt. 10:39).
- A couple stayed for a Sunday sermon and post-sermon fellowship. It wasn’t the sermon message that God used to bring them to faith but rather seeing in fellowship how the body of Christ functioned in love and unity
- A true understanding of God’s grace and the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ leads to holiness—not worldliness… once we understand God’s saving grace and when we truly appreciate what we have in Christ, how can we do less than respond to His love by offering our bodies back to Him as living sacrifices?
- “In my hands no price I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling”
- Jesus tells us to come to Him and receive Him and He will clean up our act
- We are not to judge each other in areas that are not specified by God as sin
- Following scriptural precepts and principles will allow for OPERATION OUT OF THE HEART RATHER THAN THE HEAD
- DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU “feel” like changing or doing something about your sin. If you do, the feeling may never come. CHRISTIAN LOVE ACTS ON WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
- There is no greater sign of love than to be willing to risk rejection and broken relationships with others, to confront sin
- If admonishment is done with the right spirit, motive, and done with an appropriate method, the person who is not living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ usually senses the risk you’re taking… maybe not in the moment, but some day they’ll thank you for your love
- But frequently, we never get beyond the surface or take the time to hear a response following “how are you?”
- If you loved Him more, you would serve Him better… If we loved one another more, we would serve one another better!!
- A relationship with Christ is vertical and horizontal, becoming members of Christ’s body
- “For the LAW of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from LAW of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 ESV
- What the Bible is teaching is that we are free from the power of sin, not free from sin. We don’t have to serve sin and the old nature. The prison door is open. All we have to do is walk out into a new world.
- A door of freedom in Christ that no one can shut (Rev 3:8)… Freedom in Christ is activated by obedience… it is the truth applied that really sets me free
- An aircraft crew could sit at the end of the runway all day, long, knowing that the plane is free to take off. They may have received clearance from the tower again and again. They also know that the power is available. But the plane will never get off the ground unless the jet engines are activated. The plane must be in a moving position.
- We are free to become all that God created us to become… we truly lose our lives to find them again
- With gentleness and humility and meekness… realizing we were once and similar situations
- Restoration should be done cautiously, and with more than one person, to prevent falling into the same sin
- Living together day after day, week after week, year after year… we are seen at our best and at our worst
- “Bearing with one another” = “a forgiving spirit”
- How ungrateful for a Christian to hold a grudge against a fellow believer when Christ has canceled our own debt of sin
- “MAKE EVERY EFFORT to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:2-3
- Patience, forbearance, and forgiveness are not automatic actions that follow conversion to Christ. They are deliberate acts of the will
- As parents, we must be very careful not to expect too much from small children, as this will frustrate them and create anger… such as being measured by standards that parents do not practice themselves… will lead to anger, bitterness, discouragement… children learn best by seeing principles practiced by their parents
- When each of us loves the other as Christ has loved us, the problem will inevitably be resolved
- We live in a materialistic culture—and it has infected Christians
- We cannot love like Christ without being servants, and we cannot be servants without being submissive
- A lack of oneness cannot be hidden!
- To develop the mind of Christ, we must be willing to lose our lives in order to find them again
- We can trust God not only for emotions but also for our thoughts… asking Him to renew our minds
- Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The forgiveness of Jesus not only takes away our sins, it makes them as if they had never been
- “… out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2026
Such an incredible resource on our purpose as brothers and sisters in Christ. We’re one body under Christ and are ought to continually build each other up until the Lord comes again
We’re ought to:
- Be members of one another (Romans 12:5)
- Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
- Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
- Be of the same mind with one another (Romans 15:5)
- Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
- Admonish one another (Romans 15:14)
- Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
- Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
- Carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
- Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
- Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Some other notes while reading:
- “allelon” used about 40 times for our responsibilities to each other
- Always be mindful of acts of the flesh vs fruit of the Spirit
- humility and unity needed for corporate maturity
- constantly evaluate our position as a brother/sister in Christ and act on what the Bible says
- people see and notice how the church act together and can be the reason they accept or reject Jesus: “body evangelism”
- Satan looks to unify false religions and separate Bible believing Christians
- “I knew there had to be a relationship between what I saw in their family life and what they all believed the Bible taught”
- “Nothing shatters true spiritual unity among Christians more thoroughly than extra biblical rules and regulations that we use to evaluate a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ”
- after evaluating yourself first, admonishment must be done frequently out of deep concern and love
- concept of “serve,” “serving,” and “servant” used over 300 times in NT (Matthew 20:28)
- “If you have difficulty recognizing these positive reflections of Jesus Christ among church members, there can be but one conclusion: more ‘acts of the sinful nature’ are being reflected than the ‘fruit of the Spirit’”
- “Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred”
- “We cannot love like Christ without being servants, and we cannot be servants without being submissive”
- “The key is for all Christians to develop the mind of Christ, to be willing to lose their lives in order to find them again”
- “Body function” not “pastor function”
We’re ought to:
- Be members of one another (Romans 12:5)
- Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
- Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
- Be of the same mind with one another (Romans 15:5)
- Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
- Admonish one another (Romans 15:14)
- Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
- Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
- Carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
- Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
- Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Some other notes while reading:
- “allelon” used about 40 times for our responsibilities to each other
- Always be mindful of acts of the flesh vs fruit of the Spirit
- humility and unity needed for corporate maturity
- constantly evaluate our position as a brother/sister in Christ and act on what the Bible says
- people see and notice how the church act together and can be the reason they accept or reject Jesus: “body evangelism”
- Satan looks to unify false religions and separate Bible believing Christians
- “I knew there had to be a relationship between what I saw in their family life and what they all believed the Bible taught”
- “Nothing shatters true spiritual unity among Christians more thoroughly than extra biblical rules and regulations that we use to evaluate a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ”
- after evaluating yourself first, admonishment must be done frequently out of deep concern and love
- concept of “serve,” “serving,” and “servant” used over 300 times in NT (Matthew 20:28)
- “If you have difficulty recognizing these positive reflections of Jesus Christ among church members, there can be but one conclusion: more ‘acts of the sinful nature’ are being reflected than the ‘fruit of the Spirit’”
- “Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred”
- “We cannot love like Christ without being servants, and we cannot be servants without being submissive”
- “The key is for all Christians to develop the mind of Christ, to be willing to lose their lives in order to find them again”
- “Body function” not “pastor function”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 24, 2023Read this a number of years ago. It's a good Bible study of the "one another" commands in the NT.
August 26, 2017
One another
It is the best book about our relationships in the body of Christ.
It is a must to read and apply in every church. It is a big key for revival . I love this book.
It is the best book about our relationships in the body of Christ.
It is a must to read and apply in every church. It is a big key for revival . I love this book.
December 16, 2020
Gene provides a great perspective on the church community that Jesus Christ and His apostles so eagerly desired for the body of believers. Relationships are so important in this life. They can be transforming - for both good and bad. But they're difficult and messy. They're difficult because they bring to light a hard truth that many of us spend our lives trying to avoid acknowledging: we are not in control. We can never control someone else. We may lead, influence, manipulate, encourage, equip, develop, manage, or *choose your verb* others, but we'll never fully control them - or the things of this world. Likewise, God created us with a will. We can choose to be led, influenced, etc by God, others, or our desires. As Dink explained to Ender in Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, "Commanders only have as much control as you give them." Too often we as believers, distill our faith to a set of rules, checkboxes, and tasks. Our faith wastes away into something we do rather than an identity and deep abiding relationship with our creator as God intended in the garden before our rebellion and as Jesus restored to us through His death and resurrection. Our relationships with fellow believers is a crucial part of this identity and relationship. As illustrated in the book of Acts, our growth and development as disciples of Christ and a deeper relationship with our Father is a product of our fellowship. Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Gene provides some great discussions and tools to help believers navigate the messiness of relationships that stems from our broken and fallen nature. It often begins with a critical eye upon ourselves before trying to fix (or control) others. As Socrates would even agree, "An unexamined life is not worth living."
July 8, 2019
A good solid book to study the 'one another' passages.
Getz condenses the 41 'one another' passages (23 unique statements) to 12 lessons (Likely to fit into the 'quarterly' lesson plans used in most Sunday Schools).
I used this book as a central resource for a series titled 'The Twelfth Commandment' based on Jesus 'new commandment' to 'love one another', that then moved into the 'one another' statements used in the new testament that records how the early church worked to put Jesus's command into practice.
Getz does a good job of providing practical application exercises related to each command. In addition, many of the chapters gave good background on the meaning of the phrases in the time of the early church.
Some of the chapters seemed focused more on Getz's personal experience than on developing the scripture, but I believe that comes from Getz's focus on being practical in his approach to scripture.
I would recommend this as a good solid lesson guide for classes or small groups.
Getz condenses the 41 'one another' passages (23 unique statements) to 12 lessons (Likely to fit into the 'quarterly' lesson plans used in most Sunday Schools).
I used this book as a central resource for a series titled 'The Twelfth Commandment' based on Jesus 'new commandment' to 'love one another', that then moved into the 'one another' statements used in the new testament that records how the early church worked to put Jesus's command into practice.
Getz does a good job of providing practical application exercises related to each command. In addition, many of the chapters gave good background on the meaning of the phrases in the time of the early church.
Some of the chapters seemed focused more on Getz's personal experience than on developing the scripture, but I believe that comes from Getz's focus on being practical in his approach to scripture.
I would recommend this as a good solid lesson guide for classes or small groups.
December 6, 2022
This small book was first published in 1976, and by 1988 it had reached its twenty-second printing ... which pretty much tells you all that you need to know about its value!
Whilst only 120 pages, arranged into 12 chapters, it is full of simple yet challenging applications from twelve of the 'one another' sayings in the New Testament with a view to encouraging renewal in local churches from a Biblical perspective. The author, Gene A Getz, achieves his primary objective, and hopefully as people, like me, read, imbibe and practice what he teaches that revival will surely come!
The book is now well out of print, which is a pity, but if you can obtain a second-hand copy buy it and enjoy reading it time and time again!
A solid 5-star read! Very highly recommended!
Whilst only 120 pages, arranged into 12 chapters, it is full of simple yet challenging applications from twelve of the 'one another' sayings in the New Testament with a view to encouraging renewal in local churches from a Biblical perspective. The author, Gene A Getz, achieves his primary objective, and hopefully as people, like me, read, imbibe and practice what he teaches that revival will surely come!
The book is now well out of print, which is a pity, but if you can obtain a second-hand copy buy it and enjoy reading it time and time again!
A solid 5-star read! Very highly recommended!
August 9, 2018
A solid book on church life, containing much Scripture to back up his points. I wish there was a bit more detail on the "how"of using small groups to encourage body life (I think that is his work, Sharpening the focus of the Church), but this is good challenge to function well in the body of Christ.
July 25, 2019
A great book! Gene A. Getz deals with fellowship in a detailed manner. From this book, I've learned the various factors of building each other up. Thank God for the local churches God has given us, despite its imperfections. May God give us grace and wisdom to build each other up.
July 4, 2022
Great book for a small group of Christian’s to work through together. It will enhance their understanding of what we, as Christians, are asked to do for each other as well as the others in this world. Very practical in its application.
March 12, 2025
a wonderful exposition
Gene Getz is one of my favorites. This book is solid teaching on the ‘one another’ passages in the New Testament. Practical, written from a practicing pastor’s perspective, it is thorough exposition of these texts.
Very highly recommended
Gene Getz is one of my favorites. This book is solid teaching on the ‘one another’ passages in the New Testament. Practical, written from a practicing pastor’s perspective, it is thorough exposition of these texts.
Very highly recommended
February 20, 2023
I remember being very impressed with the content of this book when I first encountered it in Bible School.
May 10, 2024
Somewhat helpful.
August 29, 2013
Getz does a good job of explaining what the Church ought to be doing. In America, we have turned church into a weekly get-together with designer coffee, expensive entertainment productions, and watered-down versions of the Gospel designed to make consumers feel good and come back for more.
After reading this book, you realize that Jesus designed his Church as an instrument in healing a sinful people. We are to live our lives together, encouraging, bearing with, admonishing, and forgiving one another. Real life is messy and the Church is supposed to be a tightly-knit band of brothers and sisters that works through that ugliness and comes out the other side looking every bit the Bride of Christ.
After reading this book, you realize that Jesus designed his Church as an instrument in healing a sinful people. We are to live our lives together, encouraging, bearing with, admonishing, and forgiving one another. Real life is messy and the Church is supposed to be a tightly-knit band of brothers and sisters that works through that ugliness and comes out the other side looking every bit the Bride of Christ.
April 16, 2012
This is a short book which looks at biblical passages which looks at how members of the church are called to love and serve each other,
March 5, 2015
Great read on the Biblical prinicples "one another." I was greatly challenged.
October 12, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book it helped me with my next paper I wrote
March 8, 2016
Great Book
Love this book. Uses scripture to back up what he's saying. I definitely would recommend this book....you will be blessed.
Love this book. Uses scripture to back up what he's saying. I definitely would recommend this book....you will be blessed.
June 24, 2016
Practical for the real world
This book is very practical for your life. Dr. Getz gives examples and practical suggestions to help your to function in the body of Christ.
This book is very practical for your life. Dr. Getz gives examples and practical suggestions to help your to function in the body of Christ.
June 27, 2016
Great insight into how the believer should live his or her life.
December 2, 2016
Getz always seems to pull off good solid practical biblical teaching - this book is an excellent resource on the "one another's" of the New Testament and their implications for us today.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews